REVIEWED: Sheltered #2

If the apocalypse is nigh, Sheltered is one I’d take into the bunker with me!

It’s a drum I often bang – following creators, rather than titles, produces results. It uncovered a gem last month in Sheltered, by Ed Brisson and Johnnie Christmas, published by Image Comics. And while the ‘pre-apocalytic’ tag was alluring, it was Brisson’s name which sealed the deal. Comeback was a remarkable read by a creator I only knew as a letterer previously.

Sheltered #1 was the near perfect opening issue, akin to that of Brian K Vaughan’s Y: The Last Man. Had it been a one shot, I’d have handed it the accolade of ‘Best Single Issue of 2013’. Gladly, however, it’s a series. And Sheltered #2 is as strong a follow-up as I’ve seen.

Having committed an as yet unexplained atrocity, the young adults of Safe Haven question their leader as ‘the things they lost in the fire’ becomes apparent. The oh so familiar ‘damn spot’ is difficult to remove. Focus then shifts to Victoria and her possible escape, her resourcefulness a blessing in the harsh landscape. Needless to say, it is another great cliff-hanger by the creative duo.

Nothing as yet as to why the kids of Safe Haven are so terrified, and while Lucas’ mask slips briefly in this issue, his true character remains hidden. How these plotlines are developed will determine the series trajectory – either way, it’s one I’ll follow for the foreseeable. Sheltered has earned its way onto my pull-list in record time.

Sheltered #2 is published by Image Comics and is scheduled for release this Wednesday, August 7.